Man City v Man United: Predicted Red Devils line up for FA Cup final

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag will leave his side out for the FA Cup final against Manchester City on Saturday, amid fierce speculation that he will be sacked after the match. 

The Dutchman guided United to their lowest top flight finish since 1990 last season and, coupled with a group stage exit in the Champions League, the former Ajax boss has faced severe scrutiny.

It has been widely reported that he will be dismissed from his role after Saturday’s game, regardless of the result at Wembley.

Here, we predict the XI that Ten Hag will select for the Manchester derby.

Goalkeeper

Andre Onana made a shaky start to life at Old Trafford with a number of high profile errors, but he has since turned things around and has been in good form over the past few months. The Cameroon international will be between the sticks for United on Saturday, and he could be in for a busy afternoon.

Defenders

Ten Hag continues to deal with a number of injuries at the back, but Aaron Wan-Bissaka is available and will likely start at right-back.

In the centre of defence, Harry Maguire remains sidelined but Lisandro Martinez is fit again and could make just his 14th appearance of an injury-plagued season.

Martinez has made a recent return from injury

The Argentine will likely be partnered by Raphael Varane in what will almost certainly be the Frenchman’s final appearance for the club, with his contract set to expire this summer.

At left-back, Diogo Dalot could start in the absence of both Tyrell Malacia and Luke Shaw. Dalot has been one of United’s most impressive performers this season.

Midfielders

Veteran midfielder Casemiro has been heavily criticised for his performances of late, and the Brazilian may therefore drop to the bench with Sofyan Amrabat likely to take his place.

Amrabat could start in midfield at Wembley

The Morocco international will likely be joined by youngster Kobbie Mainoo, who has enjoyed an outstanding breakthrough season.

Scott McTominay is also likely to start, having been named in the preliminary Scotland squad for Euro 2024 earlier this week. The Scot has a habit of scoring important goals for United, and Ten Hag will be hoping he can do so again on Saturday.

Christian Eriksen will likely be named among the substitutes.

Forwards

Club captain Bruno Fernandes has been arguably United’s best player so far this season, and the Portuguese will lead his side out at Wembley on Saturday.

Alejandro Garnacho has also enjoyed an impressive individual campaign, and the winger could be given the nod ahead of Marcus Rashford, who missed out on a place in England’s preliminary Euro 2024 squad this week.

Garnacho is likely to start at Wembley on Saturday

Through the middle, Rasmus Hojlund will spearhead United’s attack. Frenchman Anthony Martial could make his final appearance for United if he is involved at any stage.

Predicted XI: Onana; Wan-Bissaka, Martinez, Varane, Dalot; Amrabat, Mainoo, McTominay; Fernandes, Hojlund, Garnacho.